Oaks Amusement Park opens on time – for its 117th season

SEE EXCLUSIVE VIDEO | The fun is back, as Oaks Amusement Park opens for spring weekends – including this ‘Spring Break’ weekend! Discover what’s coming up this season at The Oaks, including the new Easter Egg Hunt in April …

Families from all over the area, including those residing in outer East Portland, come for fun during opening day of the 117th season at Oaks Amusement Park.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

After being shuttered (although minimally staffed) for their 2020 season, and being permitted to operate on only a limited basis in 2021, historic and non-profit Oaks Amusement Park opened for its 117th season on March 19.

All of the colorful sights, merry sounds, and appetizing aromas that families expected were on hand to greet them as they entered the Midway.

Welcoming guests on opening day are Oaks Park Association Marketing and Events Director Emily MacKay, and Guest Relations/Security Director Mike Soto.

“As in our past ‘normal’ seasons, we’ve opened for Oregon Spring Break week this week — and we’ill continue to be open on Saturdays and Sundays until our Summer Season begins,” said Oaks Park Association Marketing and Events Director Emily MacKay.

“All your favorite rides, as well as mini golf, and Midway games, are here to entertain everyone in our famous, family-friendly environment,” MacKay told East Portland News.

Take a look at all the fun there is to be had at Oaks Amusement Park by viewing the video, taken on opening day:

Free rides on the Train and Carousel

Coming from Milwaukie, Krissy Byrne and Rayna climb aboard for a free ride on the historic Oaks Park Carousel.

Again this season, rides on the historic American-made 1912 Herschell-Spillman hand-carved menagerie Carousel, and the Oaks Park Train, are free.

“As a community-minded organization, we realize some families don’t have the time or resources to purchase all-day ride bracelets, and enjoy our great carnival food,” MacKay confirmed. “So, we welcome everyone to come, bring a picnic, and take free rides on the Carousel and Oaks Park Train!”

Twirling upside-down, these guests take a thrilling ride on The Oaks’ newest ride, AtmosFEAR.

Special events abound
For the first time ever, in Picnic Area #9, The Oaks is hosting the SMILE Easter Egg Hunt at 11:30 a.m. sharp. It’s usually “over” just minutes after it starts, so being on time is important! It will feature an appearance from the Easter Bunny, too, so come early.

“Discounted ride bracelets for kids under 48” tall are available, but they must be purchased, in advance on our website: CLICK HERE and using this special discount code: SCHEGGHUNT,” advised MacKay.

Riding the Jump Boats on opening day are Justin Hooper, and co-captain Lillia Hooper, from Lake Oswego.

Also, at the end of May, the Multnomah County Fair will return to The Oaks over Memorial Day Weekend.

“This year, we’ll be doing something special for Fourth of July, including fireworks,” confided MacKay. “And our beloved Oaks Oktoberfest will be back in new format; and immediately thereafter, the Haunted Scare-Grounds returns, to help close out our season on October 31.”

Folks of all ages have fun on the Zoom Coaster, riding on newly-refinished tracks.

Team members wanted
“Finding employees has definitely been more of a challenge this year,” MacKay acknowledged. “As one of the largest youth employers in Portland, hiring from age 16 (although staffers must be least 18 years old to run amusement rides) – working with us is perfect for students, or seniors, or someone who’s looking to have a little fun on the weekends!

“And a great benefit is that, if you work here a couple days a week, you get free rides and roller skating for your family throughout the season,” she pointed out, inviting applicants to check in at the employment section of their website: CLICK HERE.

Along the Midway, Oaks Park Association CEO Brandon Roben – trash picker in hand – stopped to say hello. “Today couldn’t be better! Nice weather, and just the right amount of guests here to be easily accommodated by the many new workers with us this season,” he observed.

Wanting a “more adult” roller coaster experience, these guests take a hair-raising ride on Adrenaline Peak.

Buy tickets in advance
Visitor capacities continue to be limited. To avoid disappointment at the ticket booth and to be guaranteed access to attractions, guests must purchase tickets online at the park’s official website: CLICK HERE.

Oaks Amusement Park, operated by the non-profit 501(c)(3) Oaks Park Association, is located at 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, 97202 – the access road is at the railroad tracks at the bottom of SE Spokane Street, at the Willamette River, in Sellwood.

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